British police have charged Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap, with a terrorism offense for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag during a concert in London. The Metropolitan Police stated that Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara, was charged under the Terrorism Act for “displaying a flag in support of a proscribed organization” during a performance at the Kentish Town Forum on November 21, 2024.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to appear in court on June 18.
The charge follows an ongoing investigation by British counterterrorism police into Kneecap, after videos emerged of the group allegedly shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” and making inflammatory remarks about lawmakers. Kneecap denies supporting either terror group and claims their comments were taken out of context by “establishment figures” to stir “moral hysteria.”
Kneecap, known for its politically charged lyrics and promotion of the Irish language, has gained both acclaim and criticism. The group has been praised for energizing Irish nationalist culture but frequently draws backlash for lyrics referencing drugs, violence, and anti-establishment rhetoric.
Multiple Kneecap performances have been canceled in the wake of the controversy, and some British lawmakers have urged the Glastonbury Festival to drop the band from its upcoming lineup.
Police also confirmed that footage from another concert in November 2023 remains under investigation.
Kneecap’s recent rise in fame was fueled by the success of a feature film about the group’s origins. The film premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, winning an audience award and earning recognition at the Oscars shortlists.
Despite their growing notoriety, the criminal charges have cast a shadow over the group’s future, intensifying debates around free speech, terrorism laws, and artistic expression.
The incident has intensified scrutiny over Kneecap’s role in political discourse, with critics arguing that the group crosses the line between artistic expression and incitement. Supporters, however, claim the prosecution represents a broader crackdown on dissenting voices in British and Irish nationalist culture. As legal proceedings move forward, the case could become a flashpoint in the debate over free speech, national security, and the boundaries of protest in the U.K.’s evolving cultural landscape.
